TRYING ORDEAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 74, 28 March 1929, Page 7

TRYING ORDEAL.

MAN-WOMAN'S TRIAL

Face To Face With Her "Wife," Faints In Court.

CONVULSED WITH SOBS.

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.)

(Received 10.30 a.m.? LONDON, March 27. Mrs. Valeric Smith, who masqueraded as "Captain" Barker, was committed for trial for perjury. She "was allowed bail. She fainted in Court when the. magistrate announced this j decision. The Court was crowded with women, the majority of whomh seemed in the early twenties. The principal witness was Miss Haward, whom "Barker" allegedly married. Her appearance deeply affected the defendant, who was convulsed with sobs. Miss Haward swore she believed that Barker was a man. There was a really dramatic scenc when the accused came face to face with Miss Haward. Although obviously distressed Mrs. Barker maintained her calm until Miss Haward was called to the i witness-box when she almost collapsed. She endeavoured to hide her head in a large neck fur, which waa the only truly feminine touch in her attire. She was seized with a fit of anguish, shook violently and burst into tears. The magistrate asked her to raise her head in order that Miss Haward might recognise her but she pleaded: "No, No." The magistrate insisted and Mrs. Barker raised her face. The eyes of the pair met. "That was my husband," said Miss Haward. It was not difficult to realise how the masquerade was successful as Mrs. Barker stood head and shoulders above everyone in a packed Court. She was taller and broader than any policeman present and seemed strangely out of place in female garments, even though they were distinctly mannish in mode. At the conclusion of the charge she almost collapsed and had to be assisted from the Court, where she fainted.